Naked Optics: Using facial webcam measurement to find the perfect bike goggles?

With the Shyft, Naked Optics is introducing a new concept for sports eyewear that focuses on customised fit instead of standard sizes. It is based on digital face measurement, which determines the width of the face and calculates the appropriate frame width.

How it works

When ordering your Naked glasses, click on the "Determine face width" button. You will then be asked whether you would describe your face as narrow, medium or wide.
The webcam or mobile phone cam is then switched on. A white frame shows you how you should position your face - the measurement itself takes 5 seconds. The appropriate frame width is created from the measurement.

Why?

Naked says: More comfort and better grip. The customised frame width is designed to eliminate the most common problem with sports glasses, namely pressure points and insufficient support during movement. In combination with rubberised temples and an adjustable nose piece, the SHYFT is designed to fit securely and comfortably even during intense sporting activities.

3D printing for customised frames

The spectacle frame is then manufactured in Austria using the 3D printing process (Multi Jet Fusion). The frame is created layer by layer from plastic powder, which is fused using infrared energy. The printing process is followed by manual post-processing steps in which excess material is removed, the surface smoothed and - depending on the model - coloured.

Final assembly also takes place in Austria. The temples, nose piece and lenses are inserted there before the finished glasses are checked, packaged and dispatched.

The new "The Shyft"

It is the sixth bike eyewear model from Naked Optics. The brand new Shyft is available from 94.99 euros - the most expensive model to date. For comparison: the tried and tested The Volt or The Blade are available from 69.99 and 74.99 euros respectively. Either way, the prices are still very fair compared to the big players Oakley and Co.

There are two frame colours to choose from for the Shyft. Black or raw grey. Choose between 9 lenses in different light protection categories. Additional lenses can be ordered from 24.99 euros. The lenses are easy to change.

Practical check: How well do the glasses from the 3D printer fit?

The custom glasses fit firmly and without pressure points, but so do other models from the manufacturer. However, as we all know, every face is different, so face measurement can make perfect sense. The frame width is specified as 146 mm - presumably the decisive value that Naked determines based on the face measurement.

All in all, the custom goggles sit firmly on the face - much better than some standard bike goggles. There are definitely some that tend to fall off my face. However, naked goggles have always sat snugly on my face, so there was no noticeable difference compared to a naked "The Blade" off the peg.

For athletes who often have problems in this area in particular, Naked's facial measurement could be an interesting solution. What's more, it doesn't cost any more time or money.

The nose pads are basically adjustable - but only up to a certain point. For wearers with a pronounced bridge of the nose (like me), the lens sets natural limits here. For me, this is also the most common reason why many glasses don't fit properly. With the Shyft, however, it works quite well overall.
Laurin Lehner, test editor